From Veganuary to No Meat May: A Look Into Meat-Free Campaigns

Sasha Hill covers No Meat May, and some of the environmental and health benefits of switching to a plant-based diet.

No Meat May is a 31 day challenge of shifting towards eating more plant-rich food. The aim of this campaign is to inspire and support people to transition away from consuming meat, to build a healthier, kinder, more sustainable world.

No Meat May is a chance to explore new dishes and protein sources, but you don't need to wait for May to try it out! Image Credit: Pixabay

It first started in 2013 when a group of Australians came up with the idea of not eating meat for the entire month of May. From there, it expanded to roughly 76,000 sign-ups in 2024. Some of those who have participated in the campaign feel that the event has had significant positive effects on their lives.

The Carbon Literacy Project stated there are four reasons as to why they decided to take part in this campaign, including health benefits, protecting the planet, helping end factory farming, and achieving global food security goals.

Improve your health

People choose not to eat meat for various reasons, whether personal, environmental, or religious. Another common reason for a meat-free diet is health considerations.

Processed foods can be much cheaper and more convenient, especially for those balancing full time work and family responsibilities. As a result, starchy and processed foods become a quick dinner option, but frequent consumption of processed foods—particularly alongside red and processed meats—has been linked to an increased risk of several health issues, including: 

1. Ischaemic heart disease - each additional 70g of red and processed meat per day was linked to a 15% higher risk.

2. Diabetes - the same increase in meat intake corresponded to a 30% higher risk.

3. Pneumonia, diverticular disease, and colon polyps.

Switching to a meat-free or reduced-meat diet—especially replacing red meats with white meat or plant-based alternatives—can support better health. Benefits may include lower cholesterol, improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and increased energy levels.

One of my friends, a vegetarian, highly recommends it, as she became more experimental in the kitchen and explored new ways to enhance the taste of the vegetables she uses.

Save the planet

In 2023, agriculture covered around 17 million hectares, accounting for 70% of the UK’s land. Much of this land is used for livestock farming, which contributes significantly to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Raising livestock—especially cattle—requires large amounts of resources, from animal feed to waste management. Cows alone are responsible for producing about 7% of global methane emissions, a particularly harmful greenhouse gas.

According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, meat and dairy production currently contributes to around 14% of global emissions. The problem is only expected to grow; The Economist predicts that global beef consumption will rise by 11% and milk consumption by 17% by 2033, driven by population growth and increased wealth. 

The expansion of agricultural land is largely driven by population growth, rising incomes, and technological progress. As more people populate the planet, the demand for food naturally rises. Increased wealth also allows individuals and nations to purchase more luxury or imported foods—like Wagyu beef, venison, and foie gras—which are often flown in and out of season, adding to their environmental cost. 

While technology has made food production faster and more efficient, the Kuznets Curve suggests true sustainability will only be achieved once a certain level of economic development is reached—a point we’ve not yet attained globally.

“Environmental Benefits of Meatless Monday.” Environmental Benefits of Meatless Monday | Meatless Monday, meatlessmonday.publichealth.jhu.edu/resources/environmental-benefits-meatless-monday. Accessed 3 May 2025. 

However, the shift to lower meat diets can make a real difference. One study found that if everyone in the UK adopted a low-meat diet (less than 30g of meat per day), it would be the climate equivalent of removing 8 million cars from the road. Going fully meat-free could have an even greater impact, also improving air quality and reducing land degradation.

Beyond carbon emissions, water use is another critical concern. Meat, dairy, and egg production are among the most water-intensive industries in the world. As water security becomes an increasingly urgent global issue, reducing our consumption of these products is one of the most accessible and effective actions individuals can take to protect the planet.

End factory farming and feed the world

To feed the world, we must end factory farming. It prioritises mass production of animals that tend to occur in overcrowded conditions. Not only are they subject to stress but also require a lot of feed. Roughly one-third of all global cereal production is used to feed animals (e.g., maize, soy, wheat). Instead, we could use that to feed those who are facing hunger and poverty. 

According to the UN, by 2050, we’ll need to feed nearly 10 billion people. Relying heavily on animal agriculture won’t be feasible. A plant-based system could help close the global food gap. The growing concern of climate change means that our crop would need to be adapted to sustain the future climate of their field.  

Plant-based foods are generally more adaptable to changing climates and require fewer resources to grow, making them a more sustainable option for feeding a growing global population. Not only do they require less resources to maintain but also produce a low carbon footprint, making them environmentally friendly choices.

Meals and resources

Many people are concerned over meat-free diets as they aren’t sure what to cook and how to create creative meals.  

If you’re taking part in No Meat May, you might wonder what alternative protein sources you should consider. There are plenty of options like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and plant-based proteins that can easily replace meat in meals while still providing all the nutrients you need.

When you register for No Meat May, you'll receive a free cookbook featuring a nutritious meal plan designed by a dietitian to keep you happy and healthy throughout the month. But if you're looking for more inspiration, there are loads of resources available. From veggie and vegan influencers on platforms like Instagram and YouTube to cookbooks and websites focused on plant-based eating, you’ll find plenty of creative ideas. Popular books and influencers are mentioned below:

1. Tenderheart by Hetty Lui McKinnon

2. Salad Seasons by Sheela Prakash

3. One: Pot, Pan, Planet: A Greener Way to Cook for You, Your Family and the Planet by Anna Jones 

4. Jeanine Donofrio - @loveandlemons

5. Kate Taylor - @cookieandkate

6. Flora Beverley - @foodfitnessflora

No Meat May is a great way to try eating less meat and learn more about how our food choices affect our health, the planet, and other people. Eating more plant-based meals can help reduce diseases, cut down on pollution, and use fewer resources like water and land.

It also helps fight climate change and supports a fairer food system. With so many tasty recipes and helpful guides available, anyone can give it a go. Even small changes can make a big difference.

The month may be halfway through, but consider incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. Signing up for No Meat May 2026 is a sustainable campaign to look forward to!

About the Author:

Sasha is an Environment and Economics student with a love for the outdoors, movies, and spending time with friends and family.